Eugene O. "Gene" Kowalski

1946 - 2016

Eugene "Gene" O. Kowalski, 69 of Temperance, MI, died Friday, February 12, 2016, at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Toledo.
Born March 30, 1946, in Toledo, OH, he was the son of John and Jennie (Sowinski) Kowalski, Sr. Gene was a 1964 graduate of the former DeVilbiss High School and then served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He married Sharon Schmidt on August 24, 1968. She preceded him in death on September 26, 2011. Gene retired from GM Powertrain, and previously was employed by Champion Spark Plug for 30 years. He was a member of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church in Temperance, U.A.W., Local 14, Toledo. He enjoyed camping, spending time with friends and anything outdoors.
Our Dad left our world to be with the Lord and Honey and all of the rest of "our gang" in Heaven. Our Dad was a complicated man, but one that loved his wife with all his heart. He was an awesome Papa and did that job the best of all. He loved his kids, grandchildren, family and especially his lake "peeps". He always protected us in his way and really just did not care what anyone thought of him or what he thought. He and Honey showed us what unconditional love was and that even when things aren't perfect or what you thought they would be, you stand by your chosen person no matter what because true love is so hard to find.
Eugene is survived by his loving children, Jennifer (Tim) Cook, Brian (Michelle) Kowalski, Brad (Ruthann) Kowalski, and Grandchildren, Logan James, Addison Olivia and Brody James; brother, John (Kathy) Kowalski, Jr. and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by daughter Kristina Jean.
Visitation will be from 10:00-11:00 am, Monday, February 15, 2016, at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church, 8330 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, MI, where a memorial mass will follow at 11:00 am. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. Arrangements by the Michael W. Pawlak Funeral Home, Temperance, MI. www.pawlakfuneralhome.com